Tyrosine is a non-essential amino acid that was discovered in 1846 by Justus von Liebig, a German chemist. The word “tyrosine” is derived from the Greek term “tyros” – meaning “cheese.” L-Tyrosine is commonly taken in the form of a dietary supplement to facilitate catecholamine synthesis. Upon ingestion of L-tyrosine, the body metabolizes it into …
L-Theanine is a non-essential amino acid derived from the Camellia sinensis plant species. It was first discovered circa 1950 in which it was noted within the contents of green tea; it serves as a “building block” for proteins and is also present in other types of tea (e.g. black tea). For generations L-theanine has been …
Ginkgo Biloba is considered an extremely popular dietary supplement. In 2005, it was estimated that individuals living in the United States spent nearly $110 million on Ginkgo Biloba; a staggering amount of money. While there are some potential Ginkgo Biloba benefits such as cognitive enhancement, improvements in working memory, and increased blood flow to the …
Rhodiola rosea has become a popular dietary supplement in recent years. Rhodiola rosea is a plant derived from the Crassulaceae family and is typically extracted from mountainous, cold climates where it can be found growing on cliffs; it is most commonly found in higher altitudes. For centuries, many people have used Rhodiola rosea as a …
Belsomra (Suvorexant) is a drug that was approved by the FDA in 2014 for the treatment of insomnia. It didn’t hit the market until 2015 and is regarded as the first of a new generation of sleeping pills called “orexin receptor antagonists.” Belsomra functions by binding to orexin (hypocretin) receptors OX1 and OX2 to inhibit …
Gabapentin (Neurontin) is a medication that was developed as a treatment for neuropathic pain and as an adjunct for seizures. It is also commonly prescribed off-label for conditions such as: restless leg syndrome, hot flashes, migraines, and even anxiety disorders. In fact, an estimated 9/10 prescriptions for the drug are for off-label conditions. The drug …
Namenda (Memantine) is a drug that was approved by the FDA in 2003 for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease. Research suggests that Namenda has a small effect in reducing symptoms among those diagnosed with moderate or severe cases of Alzheimer’s. It appears to have no significant effect when administered to individuals diagnosed with milder cases …